Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College,

It is with a profound sense of relief that we all moved to Level 2 on Thursday along with the rest of New Zealand. Teachers and cleaners were back into school in full force preparing for the return of students on Monday. We have been lucky to have been given a 24 hour grace period before students return and we have spent this time ensuring that the heating and security systems are working, classrooms are accessible for cleaners and we have supplies of cleaning and sanitizing equipment in the right places for students and staff.

While there has been much made of the fact that young people are largely immune from the more serious complications of Covid 19, we all need to be aware that that is not true of our staff.

By returning to the school site, staff are taking the risk of students being vectors for the infection. Students are not always reliable with social distancing and hand washing and it is with no small amount of thanks that I commend our staff for returning to school with such good grace. Unlike most workplaces, schools are highly communal and involve a high level of contact with large groups of young people. With the protection of our staff and other students in mind, I again ask that if your students are unwell, please do not send them to school.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank those staff who have been on site helping to manage not only the plant but also the students who remained with us in the hostel throughout. To the grounds staff led by Mr Allan Grant who have sorted out issues like heating, burst water pipes and lawn mowing, thank you very much. To the hostel staff led by Mr Fowler who have kept the international students and hostel students under control and working out in the gym, fed the alpacas and provided security for the place, thank you very much. To the cleaning staff who are keeping our environment safe and the office and administrative staff who have kept the information flowing over the last couple of months, thank you. To Mrs Campbell who sorted flights and accommodation for international students, thank you.

I am looking forward to Monday when the life blood of our community, our students return.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

May God bless you.
Ngā mihi Nui
Paul Olsen